EP1584001A1 - Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer - Google Patents

Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer

Info

Publication number
EP1584001A1
EP1584001A1 EP03799586A EP03799586A EP1584001A1 EP 1584001 A1 EP1584001 A1 EP 1584001A1 EP 03799586 A EP03799586 A EP 03799586A EP 03799586 A EP03799586 A EP 03799586A EP 1584001 A1 EP1584001 A1 EP 1584001A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
portable device
transducer
membrane
electroacoustic transducer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03799586A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1584001B1 (en
Inventor
Yvan Ferri
Paul Dinnissen
Jean-Jacques Born
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Asulab AG
Original Assignee
Asulab AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Asulab AG filed Critical Asulab AG
Priority to EP03799586A priority Critical patent/EP1584001B1/en
Publication of EP1584001A1 publication Critical patent/EP1584001A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1584001B1 publication Critical patent/EP1584001B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/04—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces using radio waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/0075—Cases with means to enhance sound transmission
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a waterproof portable device, such as a wristwatch, comprising an electroacoustic transducer.
  • a waterproof portable device comprises a housing in which is mounted an electroacoustic transducer separated in a fluid-tight manner by a deformable membrane of an inlet cavity, which is formed in the housing and in direct communication with the outside.
  • Such portable devices are known from the prior art, in particular from document EP 0 899 635 filed in the name of the present Applicant and incorporated here by reference.
  • This document describes a waterproof portable device 1, represented in FIG. 5, comprising a box 2 in which a sound transducer 21 is mounted so as to communicate in a fluid-tight manner with the outside of the box 2 via energy. sound.
  • the sound transducer 21 is integral with a deformable membrane 15, sealingly separating it from an inlet cavity 11 formed in the housing and in direct communication with the outside.
  • Such a structure nevertheless has several drawbacks.
  • the control circuit housed in the housing on a printed circuit board or PCB includes in particular an amplifier with integrated voltage multiplier, which must be adapted to the transducer, and whose design on the PCB is more complex and therefore requires a larger surface.
  • connection between the piezoelectric transducer and the PCB is carried out by means of electrical wires, which require delicate operations of mounting the transponder as well as welding operations of these wires.
  • sealing of the structure shown is ensured here only for the elements located above the deformable membrane. No device is provided for sealing electrical or electronic components possibly placed in the bottom of the case.
  • the idea according to the invention is to produce a waterproof portable device comprising a simple transducer structure occupying a reduced thickness in the housing of the device.
  • an advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to a waterproof portable device as defined in the preamble to the description, characterized in that the electroacoustic transducer and the inlet cavity are arranged collaterally so that at at least a portion of determined thickness of the transducer, respectively of the cavity are present in the same section of the housing and in that an acoustic channel connects the transducer to the membrane to transmit acoustic vibrations.
  • Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a portable device at its electroacoustic transducer according to a first embodiment
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a portable device at its electroacoustic transducer according to a second embodiment
  • Figure 3 shows a top view at the level of the electroacoustic transducer
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a dynamic speaker
  • the various embodiments of the invention will be illustrated in their application to a wristwatch. It is clear, however, that any other portable device of small dimensions, comprising an electroacoustic transducer and capable of being immersed in a liquid such as water to a determined depth can be the subject of the present invention.
  • the electroacoustic transducer is a loudspeaker, while a transducer, such as a microphone, can also be advantageously used with these different embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 a sectional view of a wristwatch 1 which is guaranteed to be watertight to a determined depth of water, for example a depth of 30 meters, which is a value often expected in practice.
  • watch 1 in Figure 1 the case 2, the crystal 3, the hands 4 and 5, the dial 6, the miniature motor 7, the printed circuit or PCB 8 for the watch. All these elements, as well as those sketched out, or even not visible in this figure, such as quartz, the train, the integrated circuit, etc. are conventional and will therefore not be described here. It will be noted that the watch advantageously forms a portable telephone comprising a second printed circuit 9 for the telephone.
  • the housing comprises a bottom 10 which is tightly secured to the housing by any means, for example by gluing, screwing or clipping.
  • the bottom 10 and the housing 2 can optionally be formed by a single molded part.
  • the housing 2 has an inlet cavity or chamber 11 preferably of generally circular shape and placed in direct communication with the outside through an inlet channel 12 which opens out laterally.
  • the housing 10 Around the cavity 11, the housing 10 has a peripheral rib 13 with a rounded edge and contiguous with an annular groove 14 located outside relative to the rib 14.
  • a membrane 15 formed from a circular disc which came from forming a peripheral rim 16 housed in the groove 14 and the outer surface of which is attached to a peripheral wall 17 formed around the groove 14.
  • the membrane 15 is crushed by an annular bearing surface 18 of a protective member 19, for example a circular grid, fixedly mounted in the housing 2, for example by means of screws 20. It will be noted that the membrane 15 can be held by mounting rings, not shown, serving as a bearing surface, the protection 19 is not necessary. Thus, the membrane 15 seals the interior of watch 1 vis-à-vis the exterior.
  • the membrane 15 is made of a deformable material impervious to fluids and gases, for example silicone.
  • the bottom 10 has a through passage 29 having a shoulder 30 against which is disposed a pressure compensation pad 31. This is impermeable to the , but breathable.
  • This structure is connected to the acoustic channel 24 through air passages inside the housing 2. All of these elements 29, 30 and 31 form pressure balancing means to balance the slow variations in the differential pressure on either side of said deformable membrane.
  • the deformable membrane 15 can be designed in such a way that it fulfills the function of pressure compensation in place of the above-mentioned circuit.
  • the membrane 15 must be made of a flexible material impervious to fluids but permeable or semi-permeable to gases whose static pressure varies at very low frequency.
  • An electroacoustic transducer 21 is fixedly mounted in a housing of the housing 2 provided for this purpose and connected by simple electrical contact 38 to the printed circuit 9.
  • the transducer 21 and the input cavity 11 are arranged collaterally so that at least a portion of determined thickness of the transducer 21, respectively of the cavity 11 are arranged in the same section 28 of the housing.
  • slice is meant the part of an object lying between two parallel planes.
  • the cavity 11 is dimensioned so that its thickness is less than or equal to that of the transducer 21, the thickness of the edge 28 of the housing advantageously corresponding to that of the transducer 21.
  • a channel can also be provided 39 inside the housing 2 so as to ensure identical pressure above and below the transducer 21.
  • the electroacoustic transducer 21 is a dynamic loudspeaker, a schematic view of which and the operation is given in relation to FIG. 4.
  • This transducer advantageously has an additional vibrating function as is also explained in connection with FIG. 4.
  • the control of such a dynamic transducer is conventional and carried out by means of a simple control circuit comprising in particular a standard amplifier, this control circuit being easily integrated on a reduced space of the printed circuit 9.
  • the transducer 21 comprises a membrane 22 of elastomeric material serving for the loudspeaker in the range of audible frequencies.
  • the additional vibrator function is carried out by a vibrating element, not visible in this figure, for a determined frequency allowing good vibration of watch 1, for example 140 Hertz. It will be noted that preferably the vibrating element is directed towards the interior of the case so as to obtain a better vibration of the watch 1, and that the flexible membrane 22 is directed towards the bottom 10 of the case.
  • acoustic channel 24 which comprises a first chamber 25 arranged opposite the membrane 22 of the transducer, a second chamber 26 arranged opposite the deformable membrane 15 and a connecting pipe 27 between the two chambers 25 and 26.
  • the second chamber 26 corresponds to the zone situated between the deformable membrane 15 and the protective member 19 or the bottom of the housing 10, in the absence of a protective body.
  • the behavior of the membrane 15 is as follows. When the watch 1 is worn out of the water, the membrane 15 has a flat configuration in which it is free to deform to transmit outwards the acoustic vibrations produced by the transducer 21.
  • the membrane 15 when the watch 1 comes to be immersed, the membrane 15 will deform due to an abrupt variation in the differential pressure which prevails on its two sides. It will then assume a domed shape towards the bottom 10, the pressure compensation path through the circuit intended for this purpose, or through the membrane itself in the case of hydrophobic membrane, not being able to balance the difference quickly enough. pressures. From a certain hydrostatic pressure value, the deformation of the membrane 15 will be such that it will be applied against the bottom 10 or against the protective member 19, which thus provides effective support preventing any deterioration of the membrane 15.
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional view similar to that of Figure 1, according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the numerical references of the elements common with Figure 1 have been kept identical.
  • At least one electrical or electronic component 32 preferably large, such as an accumulator.
  • other components may also be present, such as for example a printed circuit 33 making it possible to connect electrically the accumulator 32 to other electrical and electronic components of the watch 1 located in the housing 2.
  • a hatch 34 can be provided according to a first variant, closing the bottom 10 in a sealed manner, or according to a second advantageous variant, a removable bottom capable of being dismantled for possible replacement of the components it contains. In the latter case, provision is preferably made to mount the protective member 19 already shown in FIG. 1.
  • the latter then has a double function, it is capable on the one hand of supporting the deformable membrane 15 when a pressure exterior greater than a predetermined value is applied to it and on the other hand to protect this membrane 15 when the bottom of the housing 10 is dismantled.
  • this protective member 19 is made to extend along the acoustic channel 24 so as to cover and therefore also to protect the flexible membrane 22 of the dynamic loudspeaker 21.
  • FIG 3 is a top view of certain elements of the portable device according to the first two embodiments presented above. The elements common with the previous figures are designated with the same reference numerals.
  • the inlet cavity 11 is placed in direct communication with the outside, advantageously through two inlet channels 12a and 12b which open out laterally. It will be noted that these two channels have different orientations which has the effect of improving the emission, respectively the reception in the case of a microphone, of the acoustic vibrations towards the outside, respectively from the outside.
  • the watch comprises control members, such as for example two push buttons 35a and 35b arranged on either side of a time-setting member 36.
  • control members such as for example two push buttons 35a and 35b arranged on either side of a time-setting member 36.
  • the operating detail of these control members is conventional and will not be not described here.
  • the channel 12a is arranged to open out between a push button, for example the button 35a, and the time-setting device 36, the other channel 12b being eccentric so as to open out from the other side of button 35a.
  • a housing 37 located substantially in the same section as the transducer 21, to receive a SIM card.
  • the latter preferably comprises a speaker and a microphone, the two being as far apart as possible from one another in the housing.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a dynamic electroacoustic transducer.
  • dynamic transducer is understood to mean a transducer with a movable conductor, in which the movable element is a conductor traversed by a current supplied by a source external to the transducer or induced by a magnetic field external to the transducer.
  • Such a dynamic transducer a loudspeaker in the case shown, comprises a housing 101, preferably circular, connected to a magnetic circuit 102 by means of springs 103.
  • An annular groove 104 formed in the magnetic circuit 102 allows a coil to be placed there. induction 105.
  • a membrane 106 attached to the housing 101 and to the coil 105 makes it possible to transmit acoustic vibrations 107 in the vertical direction symbolized by an arrow.
  • the transducer is advantageously a dynamic dual-function transducer, speaker and vibrator.
  • the coil 105 is current controlled by an external control circuit, not shown, the control current flowing through the coil then induces a magnetic field through the coil, which interacts with the magnetic field created by the magnetic circuit 102.
  • the membrane 106 cannot vibrate sufficiently at low frequency, the coil is controlled in current so that the interaction between the field induced in the coil and the field of the magnetic circuit 102 causes the housing 101 of the transducer to vibrate at a resonant frequency for example of 140 Hz, which then drives the assembly of the watch.
  • This type of dynamic electroacoustic transducer is available in particular from the Japanese company Namiki ®.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable tight device (1) comprising a housing (2) with an electro-acoustic transducer (21) mounted therein. Said electro-acoustic transducer is separated from an input cavity (11) in a fluid-tight manner by means of a deformable membrane (15). The input cavity is embodied inside the housing and communicates directly with the outside. The electro-acoustic transducer and the input cavity are disposed in a collateral manner such that at least one part of the transducer and the cavity respectively, whose thickness is predetermined, is disposed in a same section (28) of the housing and an acoustic channel links the transducer to the membrane in order to transmit acoustic vibrations.

Description

APPAREIL PORTABLE ETANCH E AVEC TRANSDUCTEU R ELECTROACOUSTIQUE WATERPROOF PORTABLE APPARATUS WITH ELECTROACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER
DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA
La présente invention concerne un appareil portable étanche, comme par exemple une montre-bracelet, comprenant un transducteur électroacoustique. Un tel appareil portable étanche comporte un boîtier dans lequel est monté un transducteur électroacoustique séparé de façon étanche aux fluides par une membrane deformable d'une cavité d'entrée, qui est ménagée dans le boîtier et en communication directe avec l'extérieur.The present invention relates to a waterproof portable device, such as a wristwatch, comprising an electroacoustic transducer. Such a waterproof portable device comprises a housing in which is mounted an electroacoustic transducer separated in a fluid-tight manner by a deformable membrane of an inlet cavity, which is formed in the housing and in direct communication with the outside.
ARRIÈRE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUETECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
De tels appareils portables sont connus de l'art antérieur, notamment du document EP 0 899 635 déposé au nom de la présente Demanderesse et incorporé ici par référence. Ce document décrit un appareil portable étanche 1 , représenté à la Figure 5, comportant un boîtier 2 dans lequel est monté un transducteur sonore 21 de manière à communiquer de manière étanche aux fluides avec l'extérieur du boîtier 2 par l'intermédiaire d'énergie sonore. Le transducteur sonore 21 est solidaire d'une membrane deformable 15, le séparant de façon étanche d'une cavité d'entrée 11 ménagée dans le boîtier et en communication directe avec l'extérieur. Une telle structure présente néanmoins plusieurs inconvénients. Dans le cas d'un transducteur sonore du type piézo-όlectrique, tel que représenté, le circuit de commande logé dans le boîtier sur une plaquette à circuit imprimé ou PCB suivant la terminologie anglaise « Printed Circuit Board », comprend en particulier un amplificateur avec multiplicateur de tension intégré, qui doit être adapté au transducteur, et dont le design sur le PCB est plus complexe et requiert de ce fait une surface plus importante.Such portable devices are known from the prior art, in particular from document EP 0 899 635 filed in the name of the present Applicant and incorporated here by reference. This document describes a waterproof portable device 1, represented in FIG. 5, comprising a box 2 in which a sound transducer 21 is mounted so as to communicate in a fluid-tight manner with the outside of the box 2 via energy. sound. The sound transducer 21 is integral with a deformable membrane 15, sealingly separating it from an inlet cavity 11 formed in the housing and in direct communication with the outside. Such a structure nevertheless has several drawbacks. In the case of a piezoelectric type sound transducer, as shown, the control circuit housed in the housing on a printed circuit board or PCB according to English terminology "Printed Circuit Board", includes in particular an amplifier with integrated voltage multiplier, which must be adapted to the transducer, and whose design on the PCB is more complex and therefore requires a larger surface.
De plus, la connectique entre le transducteur piézo-électrique et le PCB est réalisée au moyen de fils électriques, ce qui nécessitent des opérations délicates de montage du transpondeur ainsi que des opérations de soudage de ces fils. De surcroît, l'étanchéité de la structure représentée n'est assurée ici que pour les éléments situés au-dessus de la membrane deformable. Il n'est prévu aucun dispositif pour assurer l'étanchéité de composants électriques ou électroniques disposés éventuellement dans le fond du boîtier. L'idée qui consisterait simplement à remplacer le transducteur sonore du type piézo-électrique par un transducteur sonore du type électrodynamique, - c'est-à-dire un transducteur à conducteur mobile dans lequel l'élément mobile est un conducteur parcouru par un courant fourni par une source extérieure ou induit par un champ magnétique extérieur -, pose des difficultés au niveau de l'encombrement dans le boîtier, un transducteur dynamique étant relativement volumineux et présentant en particulier une épaisseur non négligeable.In addition, the connection between the piezoelectric transducer and the PCB is carried out by means of electrical wires, which require delicate operations of mounting the transponder as well as welding operations of these wires. In addition, the sealing of the structure shown is ensured here only for the elements located above the deformable membrane. No device is provided for sealing electrical or electronic components possibly placed in the bottom of the case. The idea which would consist simply in replacing the sound transducer of the piezoelectric type by a sound transducer of the electrodynamic type, - that is to say a transducer with movable conductor in which the movable element is a conductor traversed by a current supplied by an external source or induced by an external magnetic field -, poses difficulties in terms of space in the housing, a dynamic transducer being relatively bulky and having in particular a not insignificant thickness.
RÉSUMÉ DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Afin de pallier les inconvénients de l'art antérieur, l'idée selon l'invention est de réaliser un appareil portable étanche comprenant une structure de transducteur simple occupant une épaisseur réduite dans le boîtier de l'appareil.In order to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, the idea according to the invention is to produce a waterproof portable device comprising a simple transducer structure occupying a reduced thickness in the housing of the device.
A cet effet, un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention concerne un appareil portable étanche tel que défini en préambule de la description, caractérisé en ce que le transducteur électroacoustique et la cavité d'entrée sont disposés de manière collatérale de sorte qu'au moins une partie d'épaisseur déterminée du transducteur, respectivement de la cavité sont présentes dans une même tranche du boîtier et en ce qu'un canal acoustique relie le transducteur à la membrane pour transmettre des vibrations acoustiques.To this end, an advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to a waterproof portable device as defined in the preamble to the description, characterized in that the electroacoustic transducer and the inlet cavity are arranged collaterally so that at at least a portion of determined thickness of the transducer, respectively of the cavity are present in the same section of the housing and in that an acoustic channel connects the transducer to the membrane to transmit acoustic vibrations.
Des variantes avantageuses sont exposées dans les revendications dépendantes.Advantageous variants are set out in the dependent claims.
BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront au cours de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
La Figure 1 représente une vue en coupe d'un appareil portable au niveau de son transducteur électroacoustique selon un premier mode de réalisation ;Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a portable device at its electroacoustic transducer according to a first embodiment;
La Figure 2 représente une vue en coupe d'un appareil portable au niveau de son transducteur électroacoustique selon un deuxième mode de réalisation ; la Figure 3 représente une vue de dessus au niveau du transducteur électroacoustique ; la Figure 4 représente une vue schématique d'un haut-parleur dynamique ; et la Figure 5, déjà décrite, représente un appareil portable étanche selon l'art antérieur. DESCRIPTION DE MODES DE REALISATION PREFERESFigure 2 shows a sectional view of a portable device at its electroacoustic transducer according to a second embodiment; Figure 3 shows a top view at the level of the electroacoustic transducer; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a dynamic speaker; and Figure 5, already described, shows a waterproof portable device according to the prior art. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Dans la description qui va suivre, les différents modes de réalisation de l'invention seront illustrés dans leur application à une montre bracelet. Il est clair cependant que tout autre appareil portable de petites dimensions, comprenant un transducteur électroacoustique et susceptible d'être immergé dans un liquide tel que l'eau jusqu'à une profondeur déterminée peut faire l'objet de la présente invention. En outre, dans les différents modes représentés, le transducteur électroacoustique est un haut-parleur, cependant qu'un transducteur, tel un microphone, peut également être utilisé avantageusement avec ces différents modes de réalisation.In the following description, the various embodiments of the invention will be illustrated in their application to a wristwatch. It is clear, however, that any other portable device of small dimensions, comprising an electroacoustic transducer and capable of being immersed in a liquid such as water to a determined depth can be the subject of the present invention. In addition, in the different modes shown, the electroacoustic transducer is a loudspeaker, while a transducer, such as a microphone, can also be advantageously used with these different embodiments.
Ceci étant, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, on voit représentée sur la Figure 1 , une vue en coupe d'une montre bracelet 1 dont on garantit l'étanchéité jusqu'à une profondeur d'eau déterminée, par exemple une profondeur de 30 mètres, qui est une valeur souvent prévue en pratique.This being, according to a first embodiment of the invention, we see shown in Figure 1, a sectional view of a wristwatch 1 which is guaranteed to be watertight to a determined depth of water, for example a depth of 30 meters, which is a value often expected in practice.
On reconnaît de la montre 1 sur la Figure 1 , le boîtier 2, la glace 3, les aiguilles 4 et 5, le cadran 6, le moteur miniature 7, le circuit imprimé ou PCB 8 pour la montre. Tous ces éléments, ainsi que ceux ébauchés, voire non visibles sur cette figure, comme le quartz, le rouage, le circuit intégré, etc. sont classiques et ne seront donc pas décrits ici. On notera qu'avantageusement la montre forme un téléphone portable comprenant un deuxième circuit imprimé 9 pour le téléphone.We recognize from watch 1 in Figure 1, the case 2, the crystal 3, the hands 4 and 5, the dial 6, the miniature motor 7, the printed circuit or PCB 8 for the watch. All these elements, as well as those sketched out, or even not visible in this figure, such as quartz, the train, the integrated circuit, etc. are conventional and will therefore not be described here. It will be noted that the watch advantageously forms a portable telephone comprising a second printed circuit 9 for the telephone.
Dans le cas représenté, le boîtier comprend un fond 10 solidaire de manière étanche du boîtier par tout moyen, par exemple par collage, vissage ou clipsage. On notera que le fond 10 et le boîtier 2 peuvent éventuellement être formés par une seule pièce moulée. Le boîtier 2 présente une cavité ou chambre d'entrée 11 de préférence de forme générale circulaire et mise en communication directe avec l'extérieur à travers un canal d'entrée 12 qui y débouche latéralement. Autour de la cavité 11 , le boîtier 10 présente une nervure périphérique 13 à arête arrondie et contiguë à une rainure annulaire 14 se situant à l'extérieur par rapport à la nervure 14. Une membrane 15 formée d'un disque circulaire auquel est venu de formage un rebord périphérique 16 logée dans la rainure 14 et dont la surface extérieure est accolée à une paroi périphérique 17 ménagée autour de la rainure 14. La membrane 15 est écrasée par une surface d'appui annulaire 18 d'un organe de protection 19, par exemple une grille circulaire, monté fixe dans le boîtier 2, par exemple au moyen de vis 20. On notera que la membrane 15 peut être maintenue par des bagues de montages, non représentées, servant de surface d'appui, l'organe de protection 19 n'étant pas nécessaire. Ainsi, la membrane 15 assure l'étanchéité de l'intérieur de la montre 1 vis-à-vis de l'extérieur. La membrane 15 est réalisée dans un matériau deformable étanche aux fluides et aux gaz, par exemple en silicone. Dans une zone à l'écart de l'ensemble que l'on vient de décrire, le fond 10 comporte un passage traversant 29 présentant un épaulement 30 contre lequel est disposée une pastille de compensation de pression 31. Celle-ci est imperméable à l'eau, mais perméable à l'air. Cette structure est reliée au canal acoustique 24 au travers de passages d'air pratiqués à l'intérieur du boîtier 2. L'ensemble de ces éléments 29, 30 et 31 forment des moyens d'équilibrage de pression pour équilibrer les variations lentes de la pression différentielle de part et d'autre de ladite membrane deformable.In the case shown, the housing comprises a bottom 10 which is tightly secured to the housing by any means, for example by gluing, screwing or clipping. Note that the bottom 10 and the housing 2 can optionally be formed by a single molded part. The housing 2 has an inlet cavity or chamber 11 preferably of generally circular shape and placed in direct communication with the outside through an inlet channel 12 which opens out laterally. Around the cavity 11, the housing 10 has a peripheral rib 13 with a rounded edge and contiguous with an annular groove 14 located outside relative to the rib 14. A membrane 15 formed from a circular disc which came from forming a peripheral rim 16 housed in the groove 14 and the outer surface of which is attached to a peripheral wall 17 formed around the groove 14. The membrane 15 is crushed by an annular bearing surface 18 of a protective member 19, for example a circular grid, fixedly mounted in the housing 2, for example by means of screws 20. It will be noted that the membrane 15 can be held by mounting rings, not shown, serving as a bearing surface, the protection 19 is not necessary. Thus, the membrane 15 seals the interior of watch 1 vis-à-vis the exterior. The membrane 15 is made of a deformable material impervious to fluids and gases, for example silicone. In a zone away from the assembly just described, the bottom 10 has a through passage 29 having a shoulder 30 against which is disposed a pressure compensation pad 31. This is impermeable to the , but breathable. This structure is connected to the acoustic channel 24 through air passages inside the housing 2. All of these elements 29, 30 and 31 form pressure balancing means to balance the slow variations in the differential pressure on either side of said deformable membrane.
On notera toutefois que la membrane deformable 15 peut être conçue de telle façon qu'elle remplisse la fonction de compensation de pression à la place du circuit susmentionné. Dans ce cas, la membrane 15 doit être réalisée dans un matériau souple étanche aux fluides mais perméable ou semi-perméable aux gaz dont la pression statique varie à très basse fréquence.Note, however, that the deformable membrane 15 can be designed in such a way that it fulfills the function of pressure compensation in place of the above-mentioned circuit. In this case, the membrane 15 must be made of a flexible material impervious to fluids but permeable or semi-permeable to gases whose static pressure varies at very low frequency.
Un transducteur électroacoustique 21 est monté fixe dans un logement du boîtier 2 prévu à cet effet et relié par simple contact électrique 38 au circuit imprimé 9. Le transducteur 21 et la cavité d'entrée 11 sont disposés de manière collatérale de sorte qu'au moins une partie d'épaisseur déterminée du transducteur 21, respectivement de la cavité 11 sont agencés dans une même tranche 28 du boîtier. On entend par tranche, la partie d'un objet comprise entre deux plans parallèles. De préférence, la cavité 11 est dimensionnée de sorte que son épaisseur est inférieure ou égale à celle du transducteur 21, l'épaisseur de la tranche 28 du boîtier correspondant avantageusement à celle du transducteur 21. On notera qu'on peut également prévoir un canal 39 à l'intérieur du boîtier 2 de manière à assurer une pression identique au dessus et en dessous du transducteur 21.An electroacoustic transducer 21 is fixedly mounted in a housing of the housing 2 provided for this purpose and connected by simple electrical contact 38 to the printed circuit 9. The transducer 21 and the input cavity 11 are arranged collaterally so that at least a portion of determined thickness of the transducer 21, respectively of the cavity 11 are arranged in the same section 28 of the housing. By slice is meant the part of an object lying between two parallel planes. Preferably, the cavity 11 is dimensioned so that its thickness is less than or equal to that of the transducer 21, the thickness of the edge 28 of the housing advantageously corresponding to that of the transducer 21. It will be noted that a channel can also be provided 39 inside the housing 2 so as to ensure identical pressure above and below the transducer 21.
Toutefois, d'autres agencements dans lesquels le transducteur 21 et/ ou la cavité 11 sont inclinés sont envisageables dans la mesure où une tranche du boîtier traverse sur une épaisseur déterminée minimale, de l'ordre du millimètre, ces deux éléments de manière à diminuer d'autant l'épaisseur totale de la montre 1.However, other arrangements in which the transducer 21 and / or the cavity 11 are inclined are conceivable insofar as a section of the housing crosses these two elements over a minimum determined thickness, of the order of a millimeter, so as to reduce correspondingly the total thickness of watch 1.
Dans le cas représenté, le transducteur électroacoustique 21 est un haut- parleur dynamique, dont une vue schématique ainsi que le fonctionnement est donnée en relation avec la Figure 4. Ce transducteur présente avantageusement une fonction additionnelle de vibreur comme cela est également explicité en rapport avec la Figure 4. La commande d'un tel transducteur dynamique est classique et réalisée au moyen d'un circuit de commande simple comprenant notamment un amplificateur standard, ce circuit de commande étant facilement intégrable sur un espace réduit du circuit imprimé 9.In the case shown, the electroacoustic transducer 21 is a dynamic loudspeaker, a schematic view of which and the operation is given in relation to FIG. 4. This transducer advantageously has an additional vibrating function as is also explained in connection with FIG. 4. The control of such a dynamic transducer is conventional and carried out by means of a simple control circuit comprising in particular a standard amplifier, this control circuit being easily integrated on a reduced space of the printed circuit 9.
Le transducteur 21 comprend une membrane 22 en matériau élastomère servant pour le haut-parleur dans la gamme des fréquences audibles. La fonction additionnelle de vibreur est réalisée par un élément vibrant, non visible sur cet figure, pour une fréquence déterminée permettant une bonne vibration de la montre 1 , par exemple 140 Hertz. On notera que de préférence l'élément vibrant est dirigé vers l'intérieur du boîtier de manière à obtenir une meilleure vibration de la montre 1 , et que la membrane flexible 22 est dirigée vers le fond 10 du boîtier. Afin de transmettre les vibrations acoustiques de la membrane 22, à la membrane deformable 15, il est prévu dans le fond 10 du boîtier un canal acoustique 24 qui comprend une première chambre 25 agencée en regard de la membrane 22 du transducteur, une deuxième chambre 26 agencée en regard de la membrane deformable 15 et une conduite de liaison 27 entre les deux chambres 25 et 26. La deuxième chambre 26 correspond à la zone située entre la membrane deformable 15 et l'organe de protection 19 ou le fond du boîtier 10, en cas d'absence d'organe de protection.The transducer 21 comprises a membrane 22 of elastomeric material serving for the loudspeaker in the range of audible frequencies. The additional vibrator function is carried out by a vibrating element, not visible in this figure, for a determined frequency allowing good vibration of watch 1, for example 140 Hertz. It will be noted that preferably the vibrating element is directed towards the interior of the case so as to obtain a better vibration of the watch 1, and that the flexible membrane 22 is directed towards the bottom 10 of the case. In order to transmit the acoustic vibrations of the membrane 22, to the deformable membrane 15, there is provided in the bottom 10 of the housing an acoustic channel 24 which comprises a first chamber 25 arranged opposite the membrane 22 of the transducer, a second chamber 26 arranged opposite the deformable membrane 15 and a connecting pipe 27 between the two chambers 25 and 26. The second chamber 26 corresponds to the zone situated between the deformable membrane 15 and the protective member 19 or the bottom of the housing 10, in the absence of a protective body.
Le comportement de la membrane 15 est le suivant. Lorsque la montre 1 est portée hors de l'eau, la membrane 15 présente une configuration plate dans laquelle elle est libre de se déformer pour transmettre vers l'extérieur les vibrations acoustiques produites par le transducteur 21.The behavior of the membrane 15 is as follows. When the watch 1 is worn out of the water, the membrane 15 has a flat configuration in which it is free to deform to transmit outwards the acoustic vibrations produced by the transducer 21.
En revanche, lorsque la montre 1 vient à être immergée, la membrane 15 se déformera en raison d'une brusque variation de la pression différentielle qui règne de ses deux côtés. Elle assumera alors une forme bombée en direction du fond 10, le trajet de compensation de pression à travers le circuit destiné à cet effet, ou à travers la membrane elle-même en cas de membrane hydrophobe, ne parvenant pas assez rapidement à équilibrer la différence des pressions. A partir d'une certaine valeur de pression hydrostatique, la déformation de la membrane 15 sera telle qu'elle va s'appliquer contre le fond 10 ou contre l'organe de protection 19, qui assure ainsi un soutien efficace empêchant toute détérioration de la membrane 15.On the other hand, when the watch 1 comes to be immersed, the membrane 15 will deform due to an abrupt variation in the differential pressure which prevails on its two sides. It will then assume a domed shape towards the bottom 10, the pressure compensation path through the circuit intended for this purpose, or through the membrane itself in the case of hydrophobic membrane, not being able to balance the difference quickly enough. pressures. From a certain hydrostatic pressure value, the deformation of the membrane 15 will be such that it will be applied against the bottom 10 or against the protective member 19, which thus provides effective support preventing any deterioration of the membrane 15.
La Figure 2 représente une vue en coupe similaire à celle de la Figure 1, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention. Les références numériques des éléments communs avec la Figure 1 ont été gardées identiques.Figure 2 shows a sectional view similar to that of Figure 1, according to a second embodiment of the invention. The numerical references of the elements common with Figure 1 have been kept identical.
Comme cela est représenté, il est prévu d'agencer dans le fond 10 du boîtier, au moins un composant électrique ou électronique 32, de préférence volumineux tel qu'un accumulateur. On notera que d'autres composants peuvent être également présents, comme par exemple un circuit imprimé 33 permettant de relier électriquement l'accumulateur 32 à d'autres composants électriques et électroniques de la montre 1 situés dans le boîtier 2.As shown, provision is made in the bottom 10 of the housing for at least one electrical or electronic component 32, preferably large, such as an accumulator. It will be noted that other components may also be present, such as for example a printed circuit 33 making it possible to connect electrically the accumulator 32 to other electrical and electronic components of the watch 1 located in the housing 2.
On notera qu'avantageusement le positionnement de la membrane 15 permet d'assurer l'étanchéité des éléments électriques ou électroniques situés dans la partie supérieure du boîtier mais aussi de ceux situés dans le fond 10 de ce même boîtier. Afin de pouvoir remplacer les composants 32 et 33 logés dans le fond 10 du boîtier, on pourra prévoir selon une première variante une trappe 34 venant fermer le fond 10 de manière étanche, ou selon une deuxième variante avantageuse un fond démontable susceptible d'être démonté en vue du remplacement éventuel des composants qu'il contient. Dans ce dernier cas, il est prévu de préférence de monter l'organe de protection 19 déjà présenté à la Figure 1. Ce dernier présente alors une double fonction, il est susceptible d'une part de soutenir la membrane deformable 15 lorsqu'une pression extérieure supérieure à une valeur prédéterminée lui est appliquée et d'autre part de protéger cette membrane 15 lorsque le fond du boîtier 10 est démonté. Avantageusement, il est prévu que cet organe de protection 19 s'étende le long du canal acoustique 24 de manière à couvrir et donc à protéger également la membrane flexible 22 du haut-parleur dynamique 21.It will be noted that advantageously the positioning of the membrane 15 makes it possible to ensure the sealing of the electrical or electronic elements located in the upper part of the housing but also of those located in the bottom 10 of this same housing. In order to be able to replace the components 32 and 33 housed in the bottom 10 of the housing, a hatch 34 can be provided according to a first variant, closing the bottom 10 in a sealed manner, or according to a second advantageous variant, a removable bottom capable of being dismantled for possible replacement of the components it contains. In the latter case, provision is preferably made to mount the protective member 19 already shown in FIG. 1. The latter then has a double function, it is capable on the one hand of supporting the deformable membrane 15 when a pressure exterior greater than a predetermined value is applied to it and on the other hand to protect this membrane 15 when the bottom of the housing 10 is dismantled. Advantageously, provision is made for this protective member 19 to extend along the acoustic channel 24 so as to cover and therefore also to protect the flexible membrane 22 of the dynamic loudspeaker 21.
On remarquera que les différentes alternatives pour la compensation de pression sont également applicables bien que non visibles sur cette figure. La Figure 3 est une vue de dessus de certains éléments de l'appareil portable selon les deux premiers modes de réalisation sus-présentés. Les éléments communs avec les figures précédentes sont désignés avec les mêmes références numériques.It will be noted that the different alternatives for pressure compensation are also applicable although not visible in this figure. Figure 3 is a top view of certain elements of the portable device according to the first two embodiments presented above. The elements common with the previous figures are designated with the same reference numerals.
On reconnaît sur cette Figure 3, le boîtier 2, le transducteur électroacoustiqueWe recognize in this Figure 3, the housing 2, the electroacoustic transducer
21 , la cavité d'entrée 11 , la conduite de liaison 27 du canal acoustique entre le transducteur et la cavité. Comme cela est représenté, la cavité 11 est mise en communication directe avec l'extérieur avantageusement au travers de deux canaux d'entrée 12a et 12b qui y débouchent latéralement. On notera que ces deux canaux présentent des orientations différentes ce qui a pour effet d'améliorer l'émission, respectivement la réception dans le cas d'un microphone, des vibrations acoustiques vers l'extérieur, respectivement depuis l'extérieur.21, the inlet cavity 11, the connecting pipe 27 of the acoustic channel between the transducer and the cavity. As shown, the cavity 11 is placed in direct communication with the outside, advantageously through two inlet channels 12a and 12b which open out laterally. It will be noted that these two channels have different orientations which has the effect of improving the emission, respectively the reception in the case of a microphone, of the acoustic vibrations towards the outside, respectively from the outside.
La montre comprend des organes de commande, comme par exemple deux boutons poussoirs 35a et 35b disposés de part et d'autre d'un organe de remise à l'heure 36. Le détail de fonctionnement de ces organes de commande est classique et ne sera pas décrit ici. On notera que, préférentiellement, le canal 12a est agencé pour déboucher entre un bouton poussoir, par exemple le bouton 35a, et l'organe de remise à l'heure 36, l'autre canal 12b étant excentré de manière à déboucher de l'autre côté du bouton 35a. Comme cela est visible, dans le cas d'une montre-téléphone, il est prévu également un logement 37 situé sensiblement dans la même tranche que le transducteur 21 , pour recevoir une carte SIM.The watch comprises control members, such as for example two push buttons 35a and 35b arranged on either side of a time-setting member 36. The operating detail of these control members is conventional and will not be not described here. It will be noted that, preferably, the channel 12a is arranged to open out between a push button, for example the button 35a, and the time-setting device 36, the other channel 12b being eccentric so as to open out from the other side of button 35a. As is visible, in the case of a telephone watch, there is also provided a housing 37 located substantially in the same section as the transducer 21, to receive a SIM card.
On notera que dans l'application à une montre-téléphone, cette dernière comprend de préférence un haut-parleur et un microphone, les deux étant éloigné le plus possible l'un de l'autre dans le boîtier.Note that in the application to a telephone watch, the latter preferably comprises a speaker and a microphone, the two being as far apart as possible from one another in the housing.
La Figure 4 représente une vue en coupe schématique d'un transducteur électroacoustique dynamique. Tout d'abord on entend par transducteur dynamique, un transducteur à conducteur mobile, dans lequel l'élément mobile est un conducteur parcouru par un courant fourni par une source extérieure au transducteur ou induit par un champ magnétique extérieur au transducteur.Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a dynamic electroacoustic transducer. First of all, the term “dynamic transducer” is understood to mean a transducer with a movable conductor, in which the movable element is a conductor traversed by a current supplied by a source external to the transducer or induced by a magnetic field external to the transducer.
Un tel transducteur dynamique, un haut-parleur dans le cas représenté, comprend un boîtier 101 , préférablement circulaire relié à un circuit magnétique 102 au moyen de ressorts 103. Une gorge annulaire 104 pratiquée dans le circuit magnétique 102 permet d'y placée une bobine d'induction 105. Une membrane 106 attachée au boîtier 101 et à la bobine 105 permet de transmettre des vibrations acoustiques 107 dans le sens vertical symbolisé par une flèche. Dans les deux modes de réalisations présentés aux Figures 1 et 2, le transducteur est avantageusement un transducteur dynamique à double fonction, haut-parleur et vibreur. Pour obtenir la fonction haut-parleur en faisant vibrer la membrane 106, en particulier dans les gammes de fréquence audibles (300 Hz-3,5 kHz), la bobine 105 est commandée en courant par un circuit de commande externe, non représenté, le courant de commande qui traverse la bobine induit alors un champ magnétique au travers de la bobine, qui interagit avec le champ magnétique créé par le circuit magnétique 102. Pour obtenir la fonction vibreur, la membrane 106 ne pouvant vibrer suffisamment à basse fréquence, la bobine est commandée en courant de manière à ce que l'interaction entre le champ induit dans la bobine et le champ du circuit magnétique 102 fasse vibrer le boîtier 101 du transducteur à une fréquence de résonance par exemple de 140 Hz, qui entraîne alors l'ensemble de la montre. Ce type de transducteur électroacoustique dynamique est disponible notamment auprès de la société japonaise Namiki ®. Such a dynamic transducer, a loudspeaker in the case shown, comprises a housing 101, preferably circular, connected to a magnetic circuit 102 by means of springs 103. An annular groove 104 formed in the magnetic circuit 102 allows a coil to be placed there. induction 105. A membrane 106 attached to the housing 101 and to the coil 105 makes it possible to transmit acoustic vibrations 107 in the vertical direction symbolized by an arrow. In the two embodiments presented in Figures 1 and 2, the transducer is advantageously a dynamic dual-function transducer, speaker and vibrator. To obtain the loudspeaker function by vibrating the membrane 106, in particular in the audible frequency ranges (300 Hz-3.5 kHz), the coil 105 is current controlled by an external control circuit, not shown, the control current flowing through the coil then induces a magnetic field through the coil, which interacts with the magnetic field created by the magnetic circuit 102. To obtain the vibrating function, the membrane 106 cannot vibrate sufficiently at low frequency, the coil is controlled in current so that the interaction between the field induced in the coil and the field of the magnetic circuit 102 causes the housing 101 of the transducer to vibrate at a resonant frequency for example of 140 Hz, which then drives the assembly of the watch. This type of dynamic electroacoustic transducer is available in particular from the Japanese company Namiki ®.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Appareil portable (1) étanche comportant un boîtier (2) dans lequel est monté un transducteur électroacoustique (21) séparé d'une cavité d'entrée (11) de façon étanche aux fluides par une membrane deformable (15), ladite cavité d'entrée étant ménagée dans ledit boîtier et en communication directe avec l'extérieur, caractérisé en ce que ledit transducteur électroacoustique et ladite cavité d'entrée sont disposés de manière collatérale de sorte qu'au moins une partie d'épaisseur déterminée dudit transducteur, respectivement de ladite cavité sont agencés dans une même tranche (28) dudit boîtier et en ce qu'un canal acoustique (24) relie ledit transducteur à ladite membrane deformable pour transmettre des vibrations acoustiques.1. Portable waterproof device (1) comprising a housing (2) in which is mounted an electroacoustic transducer (21) separated from an inlet cavity (11) in a fluid-tight manner by a deformable membrane (15), said cavity inlet being provided in said housing and in direct communication with the outside, characterized in that said electroacoustic transducer and said inlet cavity are arranged collaterally so that at least a portion of determined thickness of said transducer, respectively of said cavity are arranged in the same section (28) of said housing and in that an acoustic channel (24) connects said transducer to said deformable membrane to transmit acoustic vibrations.
2. Appareil portable selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que ledit transducteur électroacoustique est un transducteur électroacoustique dynamique.2. Portable device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electroacoustic transducer is a dynamic electroacoustic transducer.
3. Appareil portable selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit transducteur électroacoustique comprend un haut-parleur.3. Portable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said electroacoustic transducer comprises a loudspeaker.
4. Appareil portable selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit haut-parleur comprend une membrane flexible (22) disposée en regard dudit canal acoustique.4. Portable device according to claim 3, characterized in that said loudspeaker comprises a flexible membrane (22) arranged opposite said acoustic channel.
5. Appareil portable selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit transducteur électroacoustique comprend également un vibreur.5. Portable device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said electroacoustic transducer also comprises a vibrator.
6. Appareil portable selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit vibreur comprend un élément vibrant disposé vers l'intérieur du boîtier.6. Portable device according to claim 5, characterized in that said vibrator comprises a vibrating element disposed towards the inside of the housing.
7. Appareil portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit canal acoustique (24) est agencé dans le fond (10) du boîtier qui est séparé de la cavité d'entrée de façon étanche aux luides par ladite membrane deformable.7. Portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acoustic channel (24) is arranged in the bottom (10) of the housing which is separated from the inlet cavity in a fluid-tight manner by said membrane deformable.
8. Appareil portable selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le fond du boîtier forme une surface de soutien de ladite membrane deformable lorsqu'une pression extérieure supérieure à une valeur prédéterminée lui est appliquée. 8. Portable device according to claim 7, characterized in that the bottom of the housing forms a support surface of said deformable membrane when an external pressure greater than a predetermined value is applied to it.
9. Appareil portable selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un composant électrique ou électronique (32, 33) est logé dans le fond du boîtier.9. Portable device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one electrical or electronic component (32, 33) is housed in the bottom of the housing.
10. Appareil portable selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit composant électrique est un accumulateur (32). 10. Portable device according to claim 9, characterized in that said electrical component is an accumulator (32).
11. Appareil portable selon l'une des revendications 7 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le fond du boîtier est démontable, et en ce qu'un organe de protection (19) monté fixe dans le boîtier, est susceptible d'une part de soutenir ladite membrane deformable lorsqu'une pression extérieure supérieure à une valeur prédéterminée lui est appliquée et d'autre part de protéger ladite membrane deformable lorsque le fond du boîtier est démonté. 11. Portable device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the bottom of the housing is removable, and in that a protective member (19) fixedly mounted in the housing, is capable on the one hand of supporting said deformable membrane when an external pressure greater than a predetermined value is applied to it and on the other hand of protecting said deformable membrane when the bottom of the housing is dismantled.
12. Appareil portable selon la revendication 11 , caractérisé en ce que ledit organe de protection (19) s'étend le long du canal acoustique de manière à protéger également la membrane flexible (22) dudit transducteur électroacoustique.12. Portable device according to claim 11, characterized in that said protective member (19) extends along the acoustic channel so as to also protect the flexible membrane (22) of said electroacoustic transducer.
13. Appareil portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la membrane deformable est une membrane étanche aux fluides et aux gaz et en ce que l'appareil comprend en outre des moyens d'équilibrage de pression (29, 30, 31) pour équilibrer les variations lentes de la pression différentielle de part et d'autre de ladite membrane deformable.13. Portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformable membrane is a membrane impervious to fluids and gases and in that the device further comprises pressure balancing means (29, 30 , 31) to balance the slow variations in the differential pressure on either side of said deformable membrane.
14. Appareil portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit appareil portable est une montre-téléphone. 14. Portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said portable device is a telephone watch.
15. Montre téléphone selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un organe de commande (35a, 35b, 36) sur la périphérie externe du boîtier et en ce que ladite cavité d'entrée est mise en communication avec l'extérieur au travers d'au moins un canal d'entrée (12) ménagé à proximité dudit organe de commande. 15. Telephone watch according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one control member (35a, 35b, 36) on the outer periphery of the housing and in that said input cavity is placed in communication with the exterior through at least one inlet channel (12) formed near said control member.
16. Montre téléphone selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce qu'elle comprend deux canaux d'entrée (12a, 12b) orientés suivant des directions différentes. 16. Telephone watch according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises two input channels (12a, 12b) oriented in different directions.
17. Appareil portable (1) étanche comportant un boîtier (2) dans lequel est monté un transducteur électroacoustique (21) séparé d'au moins une cavité d'entrée (11) de façon étanche aux fluides par une membrane deformable (15), ladite cavité d'entrée étant ménagée dans ledit boîtier et en communication directe avec l'extérieur, caractérisé en ce que le fond (10) du boîtier, qui comprend au moins un composant électrique ou électronique (32, 33), est séparé de la cavité d'entrée de façon étanche aux fluides par ladite membrane deformable. 17. Waterproof portable device (1) comprising a housing (2) in which is mounted an electroacoustic transducer (21) separated from at least one inlet cavity (11) in a fluid-tight manner by a deformable membrane (15), said inlet cavity being formed in said housing and in direct communication with the outside, characterized in that the bottom (10) of the housing, which comprises at least one electrical or electronic component (32, 33), is separated from the inlet cavity fluid-tight by said deformable membrane.
EP03799586A 2003-01-08 2003-12-18 Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer Expired - Lifetime EP1584001B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03799586A EP1584001B1 (en) 2003-01-08 2003-12-18 Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03075099 2003-01-08
EP03075099 2003-01-08
EP03799586A EP1584001B1 (en) 2003-01-08 2003-12-18 Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer
PCT/EP2003/051047 WO2004066041A1 (en) 2003-01-08 2003-12-18 Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1584001A1 true EP1584001A1 (en) 2005-10-12
EP1584001B1 EP1584001B1 (en) 2011-04-06

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EP03799586A Expired - Lifetime EP1584001B1 (en) 2003-01-08 2003-12-18 Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer

Country Status (6)

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US (1) US7414922B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1584001B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4310791B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2003299253A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60336684D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004066041A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7414922B2 (en) 2008-08-19
WO2004066041A1 (en) 2004-08-05
US20060114751A1 (en) 2006-06-01
AU2003299253A1 (en) 2004-08-13
DE60336684D1 (en) 2011-05-19
EP1584001B1 (en) 2011-04-06
JP4310791B2 (en) 2009-08-12
JP2006513427A (en) 2006-04-20

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